Glowing with Green

‘Green Lantern’ the movie opens today and Green Lantern the ride opens on July 1

This weekend is a big one for fans of the Green Lantern, as the movie of the same name opens today in wide release. And it could have been even bigger, as the opening for Green Lantern: First Flight, the newest thrill ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain, was initially planned for this Saturday.

However, the park wanted to be sure everything was perfect for you, so the ride opening has been delayed two weeks.

You'll just have to satisfy your green cravings by seeing the movie three or four times. Or, you can see the movie once, then get warmed up on Six Flags Magic Mountain's other thrill rides - you know, just so you won't wimp out when Green Lantern: First Flight does open - because it is going to be extreme.

The movieHighly anticipated, Warner Bros. Pictures' "Green Lantern," starring Ryan Reynolds as the emerald-clad superhero, opens today in theaters everywhere. Rated PG-13, the action-adventure could prove to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer movie season.

And it goes a little something like this:

"In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris, if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax... he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all."

The rideThough it was originally scheduled to open concurrently with the movie, Six Flags Magic Mountain's new thrill ride, Green Lantern: First Flight, underwent a new station design, which delayed its public opening until July 1. But you can rest assured that the two-week delay will only heighten anticipation among roller coaster aficionados and anyone seeking the latest offering in epic excitement.

Located in the DC Universe section of the park, Green Lantern: First Flight is the 18th roller coaster to debut at Six Flags Magic Mountain, but the first coaster to open in the U.S. featuring a vertical track - and spinning.

Riders will brave a never-been-done-before, completely vertical, zigzag course, while sitting in eight-person vehicles, four abreast and back-to-back, each vehicle rotating independently.

Squeezing a lifetime of action into 90 seconds, from load to unload, the thrill begins with riders going up the 107-foot lift hill before spinning their way down through 825 feet of twisted vertical track, featuring three, 360-degree head-over-heel spins. The ride reaches a top speed of 35 mph and riders must be between 52 and 77 inches tall.

"Green Lantern: First Flight is the perfect complement to our coaster dynasty," said Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain park president. "With this addition, Six Flags Magic Mountain has the most comprehensive collection of thrilling roller coasters anywhere in the world. What a way to celebrate the Park's 40th anniversary."

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. The park is open daily. For information, including park hours on the day you wish to visit, call (661) 255-4111 or visit www.sixflags.com.